Unite calls for justice for Betfred workers in Wigan

Unite calls for justice for Betfred workers in Wigan

Over 100 workers at bookmaking giant Betfred based in Wigan, Merseyside are to mount a campaign for justice, following the company’s decision to impose changes to their redundancy entitlements.

Unite, the country’s largest union, representing the low paid and predominantly female workforce says its members face a bleak Christmas and an uncertain future, following the announcement last month (14 October) to close the call centre facility in Wigan.

Unite is calling on Betfred management to rethink their decision and honour the enhanced redundancy terms which workers are due.

“Many ordinary men and women are the customers and the lifeblood of Betfred and have played their part in making the owners, Fred and Peter Done two of the richest men in the UK.

“Betfred’s decision not to honour our members’ terms and conditions is unacceptable. It is Unite’s intention to challenge this both on an industrial level and through the courts, if necessary. We urge the company to think again.

“Communities are already under attack due to Tory cuts to public services and benefit entitlements, including working families’ tax credits – and the hardline attitude of Betfred is just another example of an unequal ‘them-and-us’ Britain.”

ENDS

For further information please contact: Donna Kassim on 07740174393 or the Unite Press Office on 020 3371 2065.

Notes to editors:

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest trade union with over 1.4 million members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.